10 Best Tourist Attractions in 2018 from Shannon Airport


Car Rental Ireland is an Irish owned company, based in Dublin City offering luxury car rentals in Ireland. These Luxury car hires can be made through our online booking service. We provide informational guides on Irish destinations, activites and, attractions for your holiday planning & resources.



Shannon remains one of the most visited locations and everyone knows the reason. One of the reasons is due to its proximity to county Clare and Limerick; this means Shannon is right at the centre of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Though the region is home to the Shannon airport which is usually serviced by American flights like American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines servicing the airport on a weekly basis. It is estimated that the airport has carried approximately 3.7 million passengers. The Americans have come to love the airport due to the fact that the airport the only United States border preclearance facility in Europe which automatically eliminates the need for going immigration again when arriving in the United States.

It also serves as a good base for visitors to the west of Ireland offering tremendous diversity in its scenery numerous options of activities throughout the area. County Clare has an abundance sites that must be visited from the famous river Shannon and Lough Derg which form its eastern boundary. Whenever in Shannon there are places that need to be seen, here are 10 most visited places you must see when in Shannon.

When you hire a car with us, Car Rental Ireland, you can pick your vehicle of choice from Shannon airport, these automobiles comes with optional extras in case you are travelling with kids or have a second driver you wish to share the driving responsibilities with.

Bunratty Castle


Bunratty castle is located near Shannon Town and the Shannon international airport, a visit to the castle gives visitors the opportunity of participating in a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle that accurately reflect the feel of medieval Ireland. The castle is a major tourist attraction, mostly along the Bunratty Folk Park. Ever thought of how Lords and ladies of the medieval times lived, then you will have the opportunity to witness this first hand you will literarily take steps back in time.



River Shannon


River Shannon

The Shannon River the longest in Ireland and flows into the sea here at the Shannon Estuary. The river presents a wealth of opportunities for fishing, watersports and pleasure boating. With the River Shannon, Lough Derg and the coastline so close it is no wonder angling is so popular in the area. The best place for salmon fishing is the River Shannon. For those of you that love fishing, River Shannon is definitely the spot the take your rod and bait as this is definitely a place for you.

The Estuary is a large estuary where the River Shannon flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

There is a Shannon Estuary Drive which takes you around the Shannon Estuary from Limerick towards Foynes and Tarbet to catch a ferry across to County Clare for Ennis and making your way back to Limerick through Bunratty. The Shannon Estuary Drive is 207km loop, see map here. The estuary has Limerick City at its head and its seaward limits are marked by Loop Head to the north and Kerry Head to the south.

Cliff of Moher


Cliff of Moher

Sometimes it is hard to put into words what the cliffs of Moher mean to the Irish people however we have been able to convey the beauty to the world and it has since the landmark of every American visiting Ireland. Their first question upon landing in Ireland has been, “How do we get to the Cliffs of Moher?”, like this is the only location in Ireland that is worth the visit.

Visiting the Cliffs of Moher with its green rocky headlands that rises about 600 feet over the surface of the Atlantic, offers a spectacular view as host dozens of species of exotic birds makes it a location everyone needs to visit. The best activities on the cliffs are hiking and taking long walks over the 5 mile.

Lough Derg


Lough Derg

A unique island, rich in prayer and faith, an island which has been calling pilgrims for over a thousand years, an island which St Patrick himself was called to. For many people Lough Derg provides an opportunity to step back from their lives, to take stock and examine the direction which their lives are taking. For many others it is a time to come closer to God through prayer and reflection. Lough Derg is today popular with cruisers and other pleasure craft, as well as sailing and fishing. The Airport is approximately 35 minutes drive from Lough Derg.

Over 90 heritage sites are accessible around Lough Derg as the lake has a long history of habitation and its shores have been settled since prehistoric times. In the early medieval times it served as an integral part of the water highway from the Atlantic Ocean to the Irish midlands and beyond. Many of the historic sites on the lake are associated with Brian Ború, High King of Ireland, who ruled from Killaloe between 1002 and 1014. Don’t miss the Brian Ború Heritage Centre, East Clare Heritage Centre, Holy Island, Portumna Castle and Nenagh Castle.

King John’s Castle


King John’s Castle

Enjoy a visit to the 13th century castle brought to live in interactive exhibitions with computer generated animations, and a cafe that has direct views onto the courtyard and the river. In the busy courtyard, you will discover a medieval campaign tent, a blacksmiths forge and scenes from a seventeenth century siege. The sights, scenes and sounds of King John’s Castle will recreate the atmosphere of the era good history lesson.

Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails


Ballyhoura

Take a bike tour in Ireland's largest mountain bike trails network covering over 98 km this includes forest road climb with twisted single tracks with a ton of ups and downs. The park has been awarded the European bike park award for been the best sports tourism park in the country.

Read here for more information on cycling in Ireland


St John's Cathedral

Visit one of the unique Victorian gotheic cathedrals in the Ireland; St John's Cathedral has one of the highest spires in Ireland at 265 feet and 9 inches from the base of the tower to the top of the Cross. The tower tapers into a spire at 163 feet high.

Aillwee Cave


Aillwee Cave

Located in the heart of the Burren in County Clare is one of the oldest caves in Ireland with great views overlooking Galway Bay. The cave system includes an underground river and a waterfall. You can take guided tours of the cave with Aliwee Cave

Doolin Cave


Doolin Cave

Doolin Cave features the longest free-hanging stalactite in the world. From the moment you descend over 80ft into the first tunnel, with your local guide, you will enter a world carved by water. When you visit the cave, you will experience an unforgettable adventure. You will become an explorer, donning a hardhat and flashlight as you make your way through the 100 metres long cave. It is a once in a life time opportunity to see something so great. Why not take your car rental Ireland car out and have a look for yourself.

Farmland Nature Trail


Doolin Cave has opened a Farmland Nature Trail, which is free for its visitors. This is a looped walk approx. 1km long, a leisurely stroll along pathways through pleasant rural surroundings with farm animals and plants along the way.

All these locations are under an hour away from Shannon airport, and the best way to get to these locations is by driving. Generally when cars are been picked up from the Shannon car hire depot, they are booked for a one way journey and mostly dropped off in locations like Cork and Dublin Airport.